Magellan GPS Introduces Companion for the Palm m500 Series 03.18.2002

Thales Navigation, a leading global provider of GPS solutions including Magellan and Ashtech product lines, is working with Palm Inc., the leading provider of handheld computers, and Palmtop Software, to introduce the first GPS solution for Palm users that provides 12 hours of continuous use. That's five times the usage time of competitive products. This represents the most efficient power management available in a handheld add-on GPS solution. Additionally, the Magellan GPS Companion for the Palm m500 series is the only Palm GPS companion that provides accuracy to within 3 meters in Europe through WAAS and EGNOS compatibility.

The new offering not only gives Palm m500 handheld users a vehicle navigation solution, but provides consumers a powerful personal GPS solution that keeps them going in the city and off-road. It features TomTom CityMaps and TomTom RoutePlanner from Palmtop Software, and Magellan NAV Companion software. In addition to superior power management, the Magellan GPS Companion lets users calculate a route in a Palm handheld and provides instructions and GPS guidance on a moving map. This solution enables users to calculate a new route on the spot, without a PC or Internet connection.

Available Spring 2002, the Magellan GPS Companion for the Palm m500 series and TomTom CityMaps and TomTom RoutePlanner will give Palm handheld users the ability to travel with the confidence of knowing where they are, exactly how to get where they’re going and a GPS solution that will keep working when they need it.

The Magellan GPS Companion provides a level of accuracy not available in other Palm GPS add-ons in Europe. Through the use of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) satellite correction signals the Magellan GPS Companion ensures the most accurate position fixes possible so users know their location within 3 meters with a position update every second.

Magellan's own NAV Companion software provides comprehensive navigation information so Palm handheld users can turn their handheld into a traditional GPS receiver for finding their way in off-road areas. Great for customers who enjoy outdoor recreation activities, such as hiking, climbing, off-road driving and biking.

Consumers use TomTom CityMaps and TomTom RoutePlanner on their Palm handheld to create and receive route-planning information. Maps are matched with satellite navigation information from the Magellan GPS Companion receiver to show the user’s position on a map and show the real-time movement of the user. The Magellan GPS Companion with TomTom CityMaps and TomTom RoutePlanner software delivers a text version of the complete list of directions.

NAV Companion provides an analog speedometer, a digital compass, and waypoint and route management capabilities so users can store location information and find their way to and from a destination that doesn’t appear on conventional maps.

The Magellan GPS Companion features a lightweight, cordless, 12-parallel-channel GPS receiver that attaches to the Palm Universal Connector at the base of the Palm m500 series handheld for fast position acquisition and satellite tracking, even in urban canyons or under trees. The Magellan GPS Companion communicates with the Palm handheld through the serial port, leaving the expansion card slot available for map downloads. The Magellan GPS Companion uses two AAA batteries and for added convenience during extended travel, an optional 12V power cable features a built-in Palm charger.